Robert Mondavi, a true wine-making legend, has died this past week at the age of 94. He was well known for revolutionizing the California wine industry by crafting wines that could rival Europe's best in the early days of the California wine scene. Specifically, he introduced the European concept of aging wine in small oak casks, dramatically inproving both the flavor and presence of his esteemed California wines. He had a reputation for being a man with vision, good taste, charisma and kinetic passion. His Italian roots reinforced his creed, that wine was made to enhance the flavor of food. This was an obvious focus of his winemaking efforts as Mondavi wines have a remarkable ability to coerce the very best out of many a dish! His legendery influence remains active at Robert Mondavi winery, Napa Valley wines, Opus One and COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts.

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